Parameter Sensitivity Evaluation of the CLM-Crop model

In order to improve carbon cycling within Earth System Models, crop representation for corn, spring wheat, and soybean species has been incorporated into the latest version of the Community Land Model (CLM), the land surface model in the Community Earth System Model. As a means to evaluate and improve the CLM-Crop model, we will determine the sensitivity of various crop parameters on carbon fluxes (such as GPP and NEE), yields, and soil organic matter. The sensitivity analysis will perform small perturbations over a range of values for each parameter on individual grid sites, for comparison with AmeriFlux data, as well as globally so crop model parameters can be improved. Over 20 parameters have been identified for evaluation in this study including carbon-nitrogen ratios for leaves, stems, roots, and organs; fertilizer applications; growing degree days for each growth stage; and more. Results from this study will be presented to give a better understanding of the sensitivity of the various parameters used to represent crops, which will help improve the overall model performance and aid with determining future influences climate change will have on cropland ecosystems.